FEILER

The Self and Identity in //Brave New World//

toc = = = = = = = = = = =Portfolio 3 Essay: Self and Identity in //Brave New World//=

Jake Feiler Professor Carleton English 103 5 December 2010 Word Count: 2264

Self and Identity in //Brave New World//

In Aldous Huxley’s //Brave New World,// the concepts of self and identity are closely related to the development and nature of each character, but specifically to Bernard Marx. Bernard’s constant feeling of individuality and his physical differences contribute to his ultimate concept of self and identity, which deviates from that of his peers.

The concept of identity has two major perspectives associated with it: a psychological perspective and a sociological perspective. This paper focuses primarily on the sociological perspective, analyzing the social implications and societal factors that shape a person’s identity. The concept of identity refers to “the self and its parts”. One of the primary concepts associated with this sociological approach to identity is the understanding “that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society”. This means that society impacts a person’s concept of self and a person’s concept of self impacts society. The most significant approach to the study of identity is the “situational approach to self and society” which “sees society as always in the process of being created through the interpretations and definitions of actors in situations”. Individuals act based on their surroundings and what their surroundings require; in turn, the individual is able to accomplish and fulfill its objectives **(“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity”1).** In general, the idea of self is the guiding principle to the understanding of identity. The idea of self “originates in the mind of persons” (“Identity Theory” 9). Stets claims that the mind is developed from its interactions in and within society; therefore, this social interaction helps to develop the structure of society. One important factor of the self is the ability to recognize itself as something concrete and objective. Burke notes that the “self has the ability to take itself as an object, to regard and evaluate itself, to take account of itself and plan accordingly, and to manipulate itself as an object…” (“Identity Theory” 9). As a result of this notion, the self is able to notice and take on different perspectives from other members of society. In their paper on the self and identity, the authors state, “our responses come to be like others’ responses, and the meaning of the self becomes a shared meaning” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 4). This indicates that the self of an individual and the self of another member of society are influenced by one another and become one concept of self.

The idea of self-concept is important in the development of a sense of self. This refers to “meaning we hold for ourselves when we look at ourselves” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 5). The self-concept is the impression one has about himself or herself **based on reactions from other people** and based on the wants and desires of the self (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 5). In //Brave New World,// Bernard’s sense of self is highly influenced by the idea of self-concept. (he's influenced by his alpha and beta peers) Fanny comments on Bernard, stating that he “he spends most his time by himself” and that “he’s so ugly…and so small” (Huxley 51). Fanny continuously comments on how Bernard is not good enough for Lenina because of his physical appearance. This example of somebody else’s reaction toward Bernard ultimately helps his formulate the concept of his self. Because of Bernard’s physics deficiencies, “he felt humiliated. The mockery [makes] him feel an outsider; and feeling an outsider he behaved like one, which increased the prejudice against him” (Huxley 69). This is precisely what Stets discusses in his essay, and this ends up being the cause that Bernard has a poor self-concept and thinks littler of himself. Furthermore, peers of Bernard are always commenting on how “somebody made a mistake when he was still in the bottle—thought he was a Gamma and put alcohol in his blood-surrogate” (Huxley 51). In this case, people comment and make opinions about Bernard to explain his deficiencies relative to the rest of society. This exemplifies Stets description that “most of what we know about ourselves is derived from others” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 5). It indicates the belief that an individual will learn about him or herself and form a self-opinion based on the opinions and reactions of others. Because individuals are so concerned with how others see them, the formation of self-concept is “filtered through our perceptions and resemble how we think others see us” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 5). Bernard knows that he is different based on how he sees other people. He notices their physical appearances and compares those to his own, and he recognizes his individuality. He is described as having a “sense of apartness” that “became in its turn a cause of wide separation” (Huxley 71). Because Bernard is aware of his differences as compared to his peers, he formulates and perpetuates the idea that he is unlike them and this itself causes its own source of separation. This idea is also exemplified during the solidarity service. Morgana Rothschild asks him what games he played that day, indicating the societal “norm” before a solidarity service. Bernard “blushingly had to admit” that he had not been playing a game (Huxley 81). Because Bernard blushes when answering this question, it is clear that he recognizes he deviated from the societal norm, and this makes him uncomfortable. From the reaction he gets from Morgan, which promotes his own reaction, Bernard formulates ideas in his head based on the reactions of his peers.

The idea of self-evaluation is one of the most important concepts when examining the self because it is related to self-esteem. There are two types of self-esteem: “efficacy-based self-esteem (seeing oneself as competent and capable) and worth-based self-esteem (feeling that one is accepted and valued)” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 6). Self-esteem is generally associated with the way in which a person values his or herself. Having a high self-esteem is in concordance with “good,” and low self-esteem is related to “bad” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 6). A high self-esteem is indicative of prosperity and happiness, while a low self-esteem is indicative of deviance and abnormality (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 6). One of the main points that the authors make about it is that “the desire for self-esteem may be what motivates people to create and maintain situations or relationships that verify one’s identity” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 7). This concept is exemplified through Bernard’s interactions with John Savage. Bernard befriends John, but he ultimately regards the friendship as being so important to him because it elevates his status, making him happier and more able to live comfortably in the World State. When John refuses to leave his room to attend an event, Bernard is furious, stating “everybody’s there, waiting for you” (Huxley 158). Bernard made this event just so that other officials could meet John which would elevate his status and, therefore, his happiness and self-esteem. This is a perfect example of how self-esteem motivates and influences the self—it elevates Bernard’s status and makes him more content in the World State.

Relative to the concept of self-esteem is the idea of self-efficacy. This refers to the “belief about one’s causative capabilities” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 7). This means that a person has the ability to control feelings, reactions, stress, and other societal forces. Stets and Burke point out that “identity verification not only enhances feelings of self-worth…but also feelings of control over one’s environment” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 7). The main pont of self-efficacy is control. It has also been determined that “people with high self-esteem should also tend to perceive themselves as competent and, in turn, exhibit more involvement in social movements to try to effect social change” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 7). Individuals who think fondly of themselves are more likely to be confident, happy, appreciative of society, and proactive in their lives; those who are not, prove to be more passive. In //Brave New World,// this example of self-esteem is visible when Bernard brings back John Savage to the World State. At the beginning of the novel, Bernard is constantly humiliated and belittled because he is different. He has a low self-esteem as Stets describes because he is deviant from society. He is different, and he engages in abnormal activities. He likes to be alone, he does not play sport activities, and he dislikes Soma. After bringing John back, however, he “now found himself, for the first time in his life, treated not merely normally, but as a person of outstanding importance” (Huxley 144). This clearly indicates that Bernard is not only treated better once bringing back John, but that he is a celebrity. This exemplifies the happiness and prosperity that Stets describes comes with a high self-esteem. Bernard feels in control now, and “success went fizzily to [his] head” (Huxley 145). As long as the world “recognized [Bernard] as important, the order of things was good” (Huxley 145).

The self is a vital factor in the determination and composition of the identity. The relationship lies in the belief that the identity is comprised of various “selves” that one has in relation to the groups a person is a member of or the societal positions one possesses. Stets describes that a person has a unique identity “for each of the different position or role relationships [he or she] holds in society” ("A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity" 8). In //Brave New World//, the characters are conditioned not to have multiple identities. Each person is characterized as an Alpha, Gamma, Delta, or Epsilon. The Bokanovsky Process is used to create “social stability…making ninety-six identical twins” who can work “ninety-six identical machines” (Huxley 19). By creating reproductions of essentially the same person, the entire society becomes depersonalized, and each group has only one identity in society depending on what he or she is born into.

The groups that one is a member of and the relationships that one holds with others are all considered to be different identities. It is vital to note the interactions that different people have with one another because of the different roles the identity plays. One of the most significant “interaction[s] is between persons who occupy positions in groups or organizations” in society (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 8). When communicating, different people take on different roles in these groups or organizations depending on whether or not such a role is relevant. Stets describes that “there are things that are not talked about because they are not relevant to that identity, and there are things that are more likely to be talked about given the identity that is currently being claimed” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 8). This means that identity is very dependent on the setting one is in and that identities can be switched very simply based on the situation. In //Brave New World,// Bernard clearly has an identity of being an Alpha, but he certainly lacks the qualities of a typical Alpha as previously explained. One person with whom he sincerely relates to is Helmholtz Watson. The two men shared “the knowledge that they were individuals” (Huxley 71). The relationship between the two is clearly a result of them both feeling out of place in the World State and feeling more like individuals than like the rest of their community. Their relationship parallels what Stets describes as the way in which people who occupy certain positions in society communicate. Because they feel mutual about their roles, they are both able to discuss ideas and concepts that would be forbidden or just unimaginable for the majority of the population. There is also what Stets considers to be agency; this refers to an individual’s ability “to actively acquire multiple role identities over time” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 9). Stets claims that when an individual is happy and confident, he or she will be more willing to take on additional identities. This has been proven to be associated with a “greater psychological well-being” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 9).

The concepts of the self and identity are complicated and intriguing, but also a vital component of every individual. In //Brave New World//, the concepts of self and identity interesting in the examination of Bernard Marx. Bernard possess a unique personality in comparison to his peers in the World State. He has a sense of self and a separate identity that make him unique and different. Overall, it is Bernard's concept of self that keeps him from fitting into society and the lack of identity among his peers that make his deficiencies apparent.

=Works Cited=

Ashmore, Richard D., and Lee Jussim. Self and Identity: Fundamental Issues. New York: Oxford UP, 1997. Print.

Brinthaupt, Thomas M. “Identity.” International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Ed. William A. Darit, Jr. 2nd ed. Vol. 3. Detroit: Gale, 2008. 551-555. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 2 Dec. 2010.

Burke, Peter J., and Jan E. Stets. Identity Theory. New York: Oxford University, 2009. 3-10. Print.

Fearon, James D. “What is Identity .” JAMES D. FEARON. Stanford University, Nov. 1999. Web. 5 Dec. 2010. .

Gemes, Ken, and Simon May. Nietzsche on Freedom and Autonomy. New York: Oxford UP. , 2009. Print.

Hoyle, Rick H., et al. Selfhood: Identity, Esteem, Regulation. Boulder: Westview, 1999. 1-51. Print.

Layder, Derek. Social and Personal Identity: Understanding Yourself. Thousand Oaks: SAGE, 2004. Print.

Leary, Mark R., and June Price Tangney. 6) Handbook of Self and Identity. New York: Guilford, 2003. Print.

Simon, Bernd. Identity in Modern Society: A Social Psychological Perspective. N.p.: Blackwell, 2004. 20. Print.

Stets, Jan E., and Peter J. Burke. “Content, Structure, and Organization of the Self: A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity .” Handbook of Self and Identity. By Mark R. Leary and June Price Tangney. New York: Guildford, 2003. N. pag. Print. 

**Annotated Bibliography**

**Burke, Peter J., and Jan E. Stets.** //**Identity Theory**//**. New York: Oxford University, 2009. 3-10. Print.** //Fair source with good material on beginning the research. Large list of references and index. 256 pages.// This contains a great deal of information about identity theory. The beginning of the book examines identity theory and what shapes it. It starts off with a basic definition of identity and <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">then moves to a more complex explanation. The end portion of the book examines identities, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">emotion, and future research. There are charts and graphs throughout the book, but they are kept <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">to a minimum, as the book focuses primarily on defining rather than explaining data.

**﻿Hoyle, Rick H., et al.** //**Selfhood: Identity, Esteem, Regulation**// **. Boulder: Westview, 1999. 1-51. Print.**

// Excellent source with a wealth of information. 193 pages. // <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This book provides an extensive look at the idea of the self and “selfhood.” It explains the terms that will <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">be utilized throughout the book, and it concisely outlines easily lays out the important concepts of the self <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">and identity. The book is broken into detailed sections that provide information on the self, the self-system, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">and the identity. Each of these three sections are then broken up into sub-sections to provide more detailed <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">information.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stets, Jan E., and Peter J. Burke. “Content, Structure, and Organization of the Self: A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity .” Handbook of Self and Identity. By Mark R. Leary and June Price Tangney. New York: Guildford, 2003. N. pag. Print. **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Excellent source with a large portion of information. This was a primary source used. 36 pages. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This source was used for the majority of information. It clearly related the self and the identity, making <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">it simple to understand. Although the text was difficult and clearly a scholarly essay, it was very useful. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">There are multiple sections in the paper that really analyze the self and the different types of self that <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">exist and relate them to the identity. Overall, this was a great source, and it really helped formulate this paper.

= **//Brave New World// Book Notes** =

- Unity - To be made one - Greater Being - Emotional equilibrium versus excitement - Control by the World State - Soma - Circle - Sign of the "T" - Orgy Porgy || **John/Savage Reservation** - Coyote Man - Outsider among the savage indian world - Knowledge of Shakespere - Inability to control sexual desire || **Savage Reservation Rituals** - Drums/dance - Snakes - Coyote-man - Whipping - Black snakes - Pookong and Jesus - Marriage - Antelope and Kiva Secrets ||
 * **World State Solidarity Service**

**Topic** Identity/Self: Discussion of the social factors shaping the identities of characters in the novel. Focus will be on the savage community and the civilized community, with a deep focus on two essential characters throughout the novel.

=List of Potential Sources= 1) //Nietzsche on Freedom and Autonomy;// Gemes and May 2) //Texts of Identity;// Shotter/Gergen 3) //Social and Personal Identity: Understanding Yourself;// Derek Layder 4) //Self and Identity;// Ashmore/Jussim 5) //Identity Theory;// Burke/Stets 6) //Handbook of Self and Identity;// Leary/Tangney

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~johnston/burke.pdf <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.stanford.edu/~jfearon/papers/iden1v2.pdf <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/encyclopedia_entry.php?id=242

= **Important Passages from Sources** =
 * **<span style="background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; padding-right: 10px;">Identity: Gale Virtual Reference Library ** || I dentity is a pervasive concept in popular culture. Broadly speaking, identity refers to the overall character or personality of an individual or group. For example, a young mother might define her identity as that which reflects the essence of who she is (such as being a woman, spouse, and parent) and how she got to be that way. A business can have its own identity, perhaps defined by its unique corporate culture or its advertising history. Significant historical events like wars, natural disasters, or surges in immigration can play important roles in helping to define a nation’s identity.

On the one hand, the defining features of identity frequently entail elements that must be “found” by an individual or group. For example, a musical group or the cast of a television show might have to work together for a long period of time before its performances flow smoothly and effortlessly and it is able to establish its own voice or overall character. Adolescents as well as adults can pass through identity crises that refer to periods of personal uncertainty or confusion. When a sports coach talks about his or her team finding its identity, this may refer to the development or recognition of a consistent way of playing or performing.

On the other hand, individuals or groups can also “lose” their identity through a variety of events or circumstances. For example, when politicians, celebrities, or other public figures engage in controversial behavior, those individuals must frequently work to reclaim or redefine their identities. A company that has made poor business decisions might be referred to as having lost its corporate identity. The modern phenomenon of identity theft is another example of identity loss, although it is more accurate to refer to this phenomenon as identification or ID theft. The popularity of the identity theft label suggests that an important part of lay definitions of individual identities are the public, demographic, and commercial means of identification. ||
 * [|Identity 2: Gale Virtual Reference Library]    || A RELATION distinct from all others in its being the most fundamental both in thought and in reality. All others in one way or another are reducible to it. It is both mental and real. As mental it is the essential relation in JUDGMENT and in the PROPOSITION. When the subject and the predicate of the proposition are in no way different either in extension or in comprehension, then their identity makes the proposition a tautology. When both of these differ as aspects of one and the same reality, then the proposition is held to be formal. Many philosophers hold that only the latter is the valid type of proposition. If its real identity is substantial, then it points to the most fundamental ontological unity.

Accidental identity according to quantity or form is less fundamental. The real existence of this relation is much disputed. In some schools of philosophy it is categorically denied. The sort of pluralism implied by the logical atomism of B. RUSSELL is an example of this. For him, reality is an absolute plurality to which the relation of identity is brought by the mind. This alone creates the unity of experience. Other philosophers deny this. PARMENIDES thought that all being is identically one in number and that diversity is an illusion of the mind caused by sense knowledge. B. SPINOZA held the same doctrine, attributing the appearance of multiplicity to the fracturing effect of imagination exercised upon the continuum of sense experience. F. W. J. SCHELLING, G. W. F. HEGEL and F. H. BRADLEY taught a somewhat similar doctrine, holding that the beginning of experience is in an un-differentiated being, which is then rendered multiple and structured through the insertion of the relation of identity. Identity therefore was a relation immanent in being and in experience.

Many other philosophers, such as St. THOMAS AQUI NAS, take a mediating position between these two extremes. They therefore admit of an ontological structure in things by reason of which they are partly diverse and partly identical. Things that are identical in form but different in number are thereby similar and come under one genus or species. Theidentity, in this case, is real since it has a real grounding. But it can also be purely mental, as happens when it binds together different concepts of one and the same thing. Modern mathematical logic has been much concerned with this relation, but less from the point of view of its nature than from the point of view of its application in particular cases || =Brief Outline of Paper (Draft 1):= I. Introduction

II. What is identity and how identity is formed. What is the "self?" How is identity different from the "self?"

III. John's development of identity in //Brave New World//. How the savage reservation has shaped his identity. Explanation of when John comes to "Civilization" and his identity changes. In this section, the research will be connected to the novel.

IV. Lenina's identity and how it is significantly different from John's. In this section, the research will be connected to the novel.

V. Conclusion

=Brief Outline of Paper (Draft 2):= I. Introduction paragraph a. Thesis II. Body – Identity, definition, etc. a. Definition i. From all sources…which is the best one? ii. What shapes identity?

III. Body – Self, etc. a. Definition i. From all sources…which is the best one? b. What shapes the “self?” c. What is the difference between the “self” and “identity” IV. John Savage a. How his identity developed in the Savage Reservation b. How his identity changed in the World State/was challenged V. Lenina a. How Lenina’s identity developed in the World State b. How Lenina’s identity is shaped by her surroundings and interactions with people VI. Conclusion

=Notes from Sources= Click the document link to access the notes on research done for the paper.

**Notes from //Brave New World//**

=Important Passages from Book=
 * Page Number || Passage ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">they've been doing it for the last five or six thousand years. So I suppose they must be used to it by now." ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"But these people have never heard of Our Ford, and they aren't civilized. So there's no point in …" ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An almost naked Indian was very slowly climbing down the ladder from the first-floor terrace of a neighboring house–rung after rung, with the tremulous caution of extreme old age. His face was profoundly wrinkled and black, like a mask of obsidian. The toothless mouth had fallen in. At the corners of the lips, and on each side of the chin, a few long bristles gleamed almost white against the dark skin. The long unbraided hair hung down in grey wisps round his face. His body was bent and emaciated to the bone, almost fleshless. Very slowly he came down, pausing at each rung before he ventured another step. ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lots of men came to see Linda. The boys began to point their fingers at him. In the strange other words they said that Linda was bad; they called her names he did not understand, but that he knew were bad names. One day they sang a song about her, again and again. He threw stones at them. They threw back; a sharp stone cut his cheek. The blood wouldn't stop; he was covered with blood. ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Linda taught him to read. With a piece of charcoal she drew pictures on the wall–an animal sitting down, a baby inside a bottle; then she wrote letters. ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boys still sang their horrible song about Linda. Sometimes, too, they laughed at him for being so ragged. When he tore his clothes, Linda did not know how to mend them. In the Other Place, she told him, people threw away clothes with holes in them and got new ones. "Rags, rags!" the boys used to shout at him. "But I can read," he said to himself, "and they can't. They don't even know what reading is." It was fairly easy, if he thought hard enough about the reading, to pretend that he didn't mind when they made fun of him. He asked Linda to give him the book again. ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"You are fifteen," said old Mitsima, in the Indian words. "Now I may teach you to work the clay." ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First of all," said Mitsima, taking a lump of the wetted clay between his hands, "we make a little moon." The old man squeezed the lump into a disk, then bent up the edges, the moon became a shallow cup.Slowly and unskilfully he imitated the old man's delicate gestures. ||
 * <  ||< <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"A moon, a cup, and now a snake." Mitsima rolled out another piece of clay into a long flexible cylinder, trooped it into a circle and pressed it on to the rim of the cup. "Then another snake. And another. And another." Round by round, Mitsima built up the sides of the pot; it was narrow, it bulged, it narrowed again towards the neck. Mitsima squeezed and patted, stroked and scraped; and there at last it stood, in shape the familiar water pot of Malpais, but creamy white instead of black, and still soft to the touch. The crooked parody of Mitsima's, his own stood beside it. Looking at the two pots, he had to laugh. ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To fashion, to give form, to feel his fingers gaining in skill and power–this gave him an extraordinary pleasure. "A, B, C, Vitamin D," he sang to himself as he worked. "The fat's in the liver, the cod's in the sea." And Mitsima also sang–a song about killing a bear. They worked all day, and all day he was filled with an intense, absorbing happiness. ||
 * ||< <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At the full moon, in the Antelope Kiva, secrets would be told, secrets would be done and borne. They would go down, boys, into the kiva and come out again, men. The boys were all afraid and at the same time impatient. And at last it was the day. The sun went down, the moon rose. He went with the others. Men were standing, dark, at the entrance to the kiva; the ladder went down into the red lighted depths. Already the leading boys had begun to climb down. Suddenly, one of the men stepped forward, caught him by the arm, and pulled him out of the ranks. He broke free and dodged back into his place among the others. This time the man struck him, pulled his hair. "Not for you, white-hair!" "Not for the son of the she-dog," said one of the other men. The boys laughed. "Go!" And as he still hovered on the fringes of the group, "Go!" the men shouted again. One of them bent down, took a stone, threw it. "Go, go, go!" There was a shower of stones. Bleeding, he ran away into the darkness. From the red-lit kiva came the noise of singing. The last of the boys had climbed down the ladder. He was all alone. ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All alone, outside the pueblo, on the bare plain of the mesa. The rock was like bleached bones in the moonlight. Down in the valley, the coyotes were howling at the moon. The bruises hurt him, the cuts were still bleeding; but it was not for pain that he sobbed; it was because he was all alone, because he had been driven out, alone, into this skeleton world of rocks and moonlight. At the edge of the precipice he sat down. The moon was behind him; he looked down into the black shadow of the mesa, into the black shadow of death. He had only to take one step, one little jump. … He held out his right hand in the moonlight. From the cut on his wrist the blood was still oozing. Every few seconds a drop fell, dark, almost colourless in the dead light. Drop, drop, drop. To-morrow and to-morrow and to-morrow … ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He had discovered Time and Death and God. ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The words awoke a plaintive echo in Bernard's mind. Alone, alone … "So am I," he said, on a gush of confidingness. "Terribly alone." ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Yes, that's just it." The young man nodded. "If one's different, one's bound to be lonely. They're beastly to one. Do you know, they shut me out of absolutely everything? When the other boys were sent out to spend the night on the mountains–you know, when you have to dream which your sacred animal is–they wouldn't let me go with the others; they wouldn't tell me any of the secrets. I did it by myself, though," he added. "Didn't eat anything for five days and then went out one night alone into those mountains there." He pointed. ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The other nodded. "But I mustn't tell you what." He was silent for a little; then, in a low voice, "Once," he went on, "I did something that none of the others did: I stood against a rock in the middle of the day, in summer, with my arms out, like Jesus on the Cross." ||
 * || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Why? Well …" He hesitated. "Because I felt I ought to. If Jesus could stand it. And then, if one has done something wrong … Besides, I was unhappy; that was another reason." ||
 * || "O brave new world," he repeated. "O brave new world that has such people in it. Let's start at once." ||

=Annotated Bibliography (NOT final)=

**Burke, Peter J., and Jan E. Stets.** //**Identity Theory**//**. New York: Oxford University, 2009. 3-10. Print.** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">//Fair source with good material on beginning the research. Large list of references and index. 256 pages.// <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">This contains a great deal of information about identity theory. The beginning of the book <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">examines identity theory and what shapes it. It starts off with a basic definition of identity and <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">then moves to a more complex explanation. The end portion of the book examines identities, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">emotion, and future research. There are charts and graphs throughout the book, but they are kept <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">to a minimum, as the book focuses primarily on defining rather than explaining data.


 * Hoyle, Rick H., et al.** //**Selfhood: Identity, Esteem, Regulation**// **. Boulder: Westview, 1999. 1-51. Print.**

// Excellent source with a wealth of information. 193 pages. // <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">This book provides an extensive look at the idea of the self and “selfhood.” It explains the terms that will <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">be utilized throughout the book, and it concisely outlines easily lays out the important concepts of the self <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">and identity. The book is broken into detailed sections that provide information on the self, the self-system, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">and the identity. Each of these three sections are then broken up into sub-sections to provide more detailed <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> information.

=Draft 1 (Citations are not complete)= The Oxford English dictionary defines the word identity as “the quality or condition of being the same in substance, composition, nature, properties, or in particular qualities under consideration; absolute or essential sameness; oneness.” In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, the concept of identity plays an important role in the development of each character. John Savage possesses the most unique identity, growing up in a savage reservation, while Bernard Marx’s desire for individuality and feelings out outcast shape his identity.

The concept of identity has two major perspectives associated with it: a psychological perspective and a sociological perspective. This paper focuses primarily on the sociological perspective, analyzing the social implications and societal factors that shape a person’s identity. The concept of identity refers to “the self and its parts” (Essay Stets, 1). One of the primary concepts associated with this sociological approach to identity is the understanding “that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society” (Essay Stets, 1). This means that society impacts a person’s concept of self and a person’s concept of self impacts society. The most significant approach to the study of identity is the “situational approach to self and society” which “sees society as always in the process of being created through the interpretations and definitions of actors in situations” (Essay Stets, 1). Individuals act based on their surroundings and what their surroundings require; in turn, the individual is able to accomplish and fulfill its objectives (Essay Stets, 1).

The idea of self “originates in the mind of persons” (Book Stets, 9). Stets claims that the mind is developed from its interactions in and within society; therefore, this social interaction helps to develop the structure of society. One important factor of the self is the ability to recognize itself as something concrete and objective. Burke notes that the “self has the ability to take itself as an object, to regard and evaluate itself, to take account of itself and plan accordingly, and to manipulate itself as an object…” (Book, 9). As a result of this notion, the self is able to notice and take on different perspectives from other members of society. In their paper on the self and identity, the authors state, “our responses come to be like others’ responses, and the meaning of the self becomes a shared meaning” (Essay Stets, 4). This indicates that the self of an individual and the self of another member of society are influenced by one another and become one concept of self.

Another importance concept in the analysis of the self is the notion of self-concept. This refers to “meaning we hold for ourselves when we look at ourselves” (Stets, 5). The self-concept is the feeling of how a person feels about himself or herself based on reactions from other people and based on the wants and desires of the self (Essay Stets, 5). Stets describes that “most of what we know about ourselves is derived from others” (Essay Selves, 5). This indicates the belief that an individual will learn about himself/herself and form a self-opinion based on the opinions and reactions of others. Because individuals are so concerned with how others see them, the formation of self-concept is “filtered through our perceptions and resemble how we think others see us” (Essay Selves, 5).

The idea of self-evaluation is one of the most important concepts when examining the self because it is concerned with the idea of self-esteem. There are two types of self-esteem: “efficacy-based self-esteem (seeing onself as competent and capable) and worth-based self-esteem (feeling that one is accepted and valued)” (Essay Stets, 6). This concept is important because it generally associated with the way in which a person values his or herself. Having a high self-esteem is related to “good,” and low self-esteem is related to “bad” (Essay Stets, 6). A high self-esteem is indicative of prosperity and happiness, while low self-esteem is indicative of deviance or abnormality (Essay Stets, 6). One of the main points that the authors make about self-esteem is that “the desire for self-esteem may be what motivates people to create and maintain situations or relationships that verify one’s identity” (Essay Stets, 7). Related to the concept of self-esteem is the idea of self-efficacy. This refers to the “belief about one’s causative capabilities” (Essay Stets, 7). This means that a person has the ability to control feelings, reactions, stress, and other societal forces. Stets and Burke point out that “identity verification not only enhances feelings of self-worth…but also feelings of control over one’s environment” (Essay Stets, 7). The concept of self-efficacy makes individuals feel in control of their environment and in control of their life. It has also been connected that “people with high self-esteem should also tend to perceive themselves as competent and, in turn, exhibit more involvement in social movements to try to effect social change” (Essay Stets, 7). Individuals who think fondly of themselves are more likely to be confident, happy, appreciative of society, and proactive in their lives, while those who are not prove to be more passive in society.

The self is a vital factor in the determination and composition of the identity. The relationship lies in the belief that the identity is comprised of various “selves” that one has in relation to the groups a person is a member of or the societal positions one possesses.

=Draft 2 (Citations are not complete)=

The Oxford English dictionary defines the word identity as “the quality or condition of being the same in substance, composition, nature, properties, or in particular qualities under consideration; absolute or essential sameness; oneness.” In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, the concept of identity plays an important role in the development of each character. John Savage possesses the most unique identity, growing up in a savage reservation, while Bernard Marx’s desire for individuality and feelings out outcast shape his identity. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">(but isn't Bernard's identity also predestined in several ways by the World State? Does John have a better experience in life because his savage identity is more unique? <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Bernard and John are similar in their outcast status, but what are their differences in terms of identity formation?)

The concept of identity has two major perspectives associated with it: a psychological perspective and a sociological perspective. This paper focuses primarily on the sociological perspective, analyzing the social implications and societal factors that shape a person’s identity. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">(having a distinct identity, and the ways identity is formed have "social implications" but the implications are not what shape us, they are the suggested results. __What is the most specific thing you want to say or ask about identity and the self?__ Note that nobody in the World State has much of an individual identity but rather a collection of group identities. The paragraph below suggests that individual identity formation as well as societal identity are fluid, ongoing constructions rather than a "stable" stasis - how might this contrast with or contradict the values of the World State? )

The concept of identity refers to “the self and its parts” (Essay Stets, 1). One of the primary concepts associated with this sociological approach to identity is the understanding “that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society” (Essay Stets, 1). This means that society impacts a person’s concept of self and a person’s concept of self impacts society. The most significant approach to the study of identity is the “situational approach to self and society” which “sees society as always in the process of being created through the interpretations and definitions of actors in situations” (Essay Stets, 1). Individuals act based on their surroundings and what their surroundings require; in turn, the individual is able to accomplish and fulfill its objectives (Essay Stets, 1).

The idea of self “originates in the mind of persons” (Book Stets, 9). Stets claims that the mind is developed from its interactions in and within society; therefore, this social interaction helps to develop the structure of society. One important factor of the self is the ability to recognize itself as something concrete and objective. Burke notes that the “self has the ability to take itself as an object, to regard and evaluate itself, to take account of itself and plan accordingly, and to manipulate itself as an object…” (Book, 9). As a result of this notion, the self is able to notice and take on different perspectives from other members of society. In their paper on the self and identity, the authors state, “our responses come to be like others’ responses, and the meaning of the self becomes a shared meaning” (Essay Stets, 4). This indicates that the self of an individual and the self of another member of society are influenced by one another and become one concept of self.

Another importance concept in the analysis of the self is the notion of self-concept. This refers to “meaning we hold for ourselves when we look at ourselves” (Stets, 5). The self-concept is the feeling of how a person feels about himself or herself based on reactions from other people and based on the wants and desires of the self (Essay Stets, 5). Stets describes that “most of what we know about ourselves is derived from others” (Essay Selves, 5). This indicates the belief that an individual will learn about himself/herself and form a self-opinion based on the opinions and reactions of others. Because individuals are so concerned with how others see them, the formation of self-concept is “filtered through our perceptions and resemble how we think others see us” (Essay Selves, 5).

The idea of self-evaluation is one of the most important concepts when examining the self because it is concerned with the idea of self-esteem. There are two types of self-esteem: “efficacy-based self-esteem (seeing onself as competent and capable) and worth-based self-esteem (feeling that one is accepted and valued)” (Essay Stets, 6). This concept is important because it generally associated with the way in which a person values his or herself. Having a high self-esteem is related to “good,” and low self-esteem is related to “bad” (Essay Stets, 6). A high self-esteem is indicative of prosperity and happiness, while low self-esteem is indicative of deviance or abnormality (Essay Stets, 6). One of the main points that the authors make about self-esteem is that “the desire for self-esteem may be what motivates people to create and maintain situations or relationships that verify one’s identity” (Essay Stets, 7). Related to the concept of self-esteem is the idea of self-efficacy. This refers to the “belief about one’s causative capabilities” (Essay Stets, 7). This means that a person has the ability to control feelings, reactions, stress, and other societal forces. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">(some good research here - avoid simple reporting by engaging with the info you convey...for example, reflect on the relative levels of "self-efficacy" of Bernard and John) Stets and Burke point out that “identity verification not only enhances feelings of self-worth…but also feelings of control over one’s environment” (Essay Stets, 7). The concept of self-efficacy makes individuals feel in control of their environment and in control of their life. It has also been connected that “people with high self-esteem should also tend to perceive themselves as competent and, in turn, exhibit more involvement in social movements to try to effect social change” (Essay Stets, 7). Individuals who think fondly of themselves are more likely to be confident, happy, appreciative of society, and proactive in their lives, while those who are not prove to be more passive in society.

The self is a vital factor in the determination and composition of the identity. The relationship lies in the belief that the identity is comprised of various “selves” that one has in relation to the groups a person is a member of or the societal positions one possesses. Stets describes that a person has a unique identity “for each of the different position or role relationships a person holds in society” (Essay Stets, 8). The groups that one is a member of and the relationships that one hold with others are all considered to be different identities. It is vital to note the interactions that different people have with one another because of the different roles that the identity plays. One of the most significant “interaction[s] is between persons who occupy positions in groups or organizations” in society (Essay Stets, 8). When communicating, different people take on different roles in these groups or organizations depending on whether or not such a role is relevant. Stets describes that “there are things that are not talked about because they are not relevant to that identity, and there are things that are more likely to be talked about given the identity that is currently being claimed” (Essay Stets, 8). This means that identity is very dependent on the setting one is in and that identities can be switched very simply based on the situation. There is also what Stets considers to be agency; this refers to an individual’s ability “to actively acquire multiple role identities over time” (Essay Stets, 9). It is also stated by Stets that when an individual is happy and confident, he or she will be more willing to take on additional identities. This has been proven to be associated with a “greater psychological well-being” (Essay Stets, 9).

The final and essential aspect of the identity is its relation to social structure. Stets argues that “persons who act in the context of social structure name one another in the sense of recognizing one another as occupants of positions and come to have expectations for those others” (Essay Stets, 10). <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">(this citation brings up the important point that our identity is often shaped casually by the recognition and expectations of others - reflect further) This demonstrates that a group of people with a common identity has certain expectations of its fellow group members. Because this social structure plays such an important role in relation to identity, it is recognized that “people are born into a particular society with social categories pre-existent to the individual” (Essay Stets, 31). This indicates that because people are born into certain groups and social statuses, a person’s identity is already determined based on the group that one is in. Stets also points out that that “according to social identity theory, when individuals take on a group-based identity, there is uniformity of perception and action among group members” (Essay Stets, 31). This indicates the when sharing a common identity because of some similar group membership, individuals will act in unison.

=Draft 3 (Citations are not complete)=

The Oxford English dictionary defines the word identity as “the quality or condition of being the same in substance, composition, nature, properties, or in particular qualities under consideration; absolute or essential sameness; oneness.” In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, the concepts of self and identity are closely related to the development and nature of each character, specifically John Savage and Bernard Marx. John Savage possesses the most unique identity, growing up in a savage reservation, while Bernard Marx’s desire for individuality and feelings out outcast shape his identity.

The concept of identity has two major perspectives associated with it: a psychological perspective and a sociological perspective. This paper focuses primarily on the sociological perspective, analyzing the social implications and societal factors that shape a person’s identity. The concept of identity refers to “the self and its parts” (Essay Stets, 1). One of the primary concepts associated with this sociological approach to identity is the understanding “that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society” (Essay Stets, 1). This means that society impacts a person’s concept of self and a person’s concept of self impacts society. The most significant approach to the study of identity is the “situational approach to self and society” which “sees society as always in the process of being created through the interpretations and definitions of actors in situations” (Essay Stets, 1). Individuals act based on their surroundings and what their surroundings require; in turn, the individual is able to accomplish and fulfill its objectives (Essay Stets, 1).

The idea of self “originates in the mind of persons” (Book Stets, 9). Stets claims that the mind is developed from its interactions in and within society; therefore, this social interaction helps to develop the structure of society. One important factor of the self is the ability to recognize itself as something concrete and objective. Burke notes that the “self has the ability to take itself as an object, to regard and evaluate itself, to take account of itself and plan accordingly, and to manipulate itself as an object…” (Book, 9). As a result of this notion, the self is able to notice and take on different perspectives from other members of society. In their paper on the self and identity, the authors state, “our responses come to be like others’ responses, and the meaning of the self becomes a shared meaning” (Essay Stets, 4). This indicates that the self of an individual and the self of another member of society are influenced by one another and become one concept of self.

Another importance concept in the analysis of the self is the notion of self-concept. This refers to “meaning we hold for ourselves when we look at ourselves” (Stets, 5). The self-concept is the feeling of how a person feels about himself or herself based on reactions from other people and based on the wants and desires of the self (Essay Stets, 5). In Brave New World, Bernard exhibits these characteristics. Lenina comments on Bernard, stating that he “he spends most his time by himself” and that “he’s so ugly…and so small” (BNW, 51). Lenina continuously comments on how Bernard is not good enough for Lenina because of his physical appearance. This is an example of a person’s reaction towards Bernard, and Bernard notes these reactions in his mind to formulate the concept of his self. Because of Bernard’s physics deficiencies, “he felt humiliated. The mockery made him feel an outsider; and feeling an outsider he behaved like one, which increased the prejudice against him” (BNW, 69). This is precisely what Stets discusses in his essay, and this ends up being the cause that Bernard has a poor self-concept and thinks littler of himself. Furthermore, peers of Bernard are always commenting on how “somebody made a mistake when he was still in the bottle—thought he was a Gamma and put alcohol in his blood-surrogate” (BNW, 51). In this case, people comment make up opinions about Bernard to explain his deficiencies relative to the rest of society. This exemplifies Stets describes that “most of what we know about ourselves is derived from others” (Essay Selves, 5). It indicates the belief that an individual will learn about himself/herself and form a self-opinion based on the opinions and reactions of others. Because individuals are so concerned with how others see them, the formation of self-concept is “filtered through our perceptions and resemble how we think others see us” (Essay Selves, 5). Additionally, Bernard knows that he is different based on how he sees other people. He is described as having a “sense of apartness” that “became in its turn a casue of weide separation” (BNW, 71). Because Bernard is aware of the differences as compared to his peers, he formulates and perpetuates the idea that he is different and this itself causes its own source of separation. This idea is also exemplified during the solidarity service. Morgana Rothschild asks him what games he played that day, indicating the societal “norm” before a solidarity service. Bernard “blushingly had to admit” that he had not been playing a game that day (BNW, 81). Because Bernard blushes when answering this question, it is clear that he recognizes that he deviated from the societal norm, and this makes him uncomfortable. From the reaction he gets from Morgan, which promotes his own reaction, Bernard formulates ideas in his head based on these reactions from his peers.

The idea of self-evaluation is one of the most important concepts when examining the self because it is concerned with the idea of self-esteem. There are two types of self-esteem: “efficacy-based self-esteem (seeing onself as competent and capable) and worth-based self-esteem (feeling that one is accepted and valued)” (Essay Stets, 6). This concept is important because it generally associated with the way in which a person values his or herself. Having a high self-esteem is related to “good,” and low self-esteem is related to “bad” (Essay Stets, 6). A high self-esteem is indicative of prosperity and happiness, while low self-esteem is indicative of deviance or abnormality (Essay Stets, 6). One of the main points that the authors make about self-esteem is that “the desire for self-esteem may be what motivates people to create and maintain situations or relationships that verify one’s identity” (Essay Stets, 7). This concept is exemplified through Bernard’s interactions with John Savage. Bernard befriends John, but he ultimately keeps the friendship so important to him because it elevates his status, making him happier and better able to live in his current society. When John refuses to open the door to attend an event, Bernard is furious, stating “everybody’s there, wating for you” (BNW, 158). Bernard made this event just so that other officials could meet John which would elevate his status, happiness, and self-esteem. This is a perfect example of how self-esteem motivates Bernard to be friends with John—it elevates his status and make him a happier person in the World State.

Related to the concept of self-esteem is the idea of self-efficacy. This refers to the “belief about one’s causative capabilities” (Essay Stets, 7). This means that a person has the ability to control feelings, reactions, stress, and other societal forces. Stets and Burke point out that “identity verification not only enhances feelings of self-worth…but also feelings of control over one’s environment” (Essay Stets, 7). The concept of self-efficacy makes individuals feel in control of their environment and in control of their life. It has also been connected that “people with high self-esteem should also tend to perceive themselves as competent and, in turn, exhibit more involvement in social movements to try to effect social change” (Essay Stets, 7). Individuals who think fondly of themselves are more likely to be confident, happy, appreciative of society, and proactive in their lives, while those who are not prove to be more passive in society. In Brave New World, this example of self-esteem is visible when Bernard brings back John Savage. At first, Bernard was constantly humiliated and belittled because he is different. He has a low self-esteem as Stets describes because he is deviant from society. He is different, and he engages in abnormal activities. After bringing John back, however, he “now found himself, for the first time in his life, treated not merely normally, but as a person of outstanding importance” (BNW, 144). This clearly indicates that Bernard is not only treated better once bringing back Bernard, but that he is a celebrity. This exemplifies the happiness and prosperity that Stets describes comes with a high self-esteem. Bernard feels in control now, and “success went fizzily to [his] head” (BNW, 145). As long as the world “recognized [Bernard] as important, the order of things was good” (BNW, 145).

The self is a vital factor in the determination and composition of the identity. The relationship lies in the belief that the identity is comprised of various “selves” that one has in relation to the groups a person is a member of or the societal positions one possesses. Stets describes that a person has a unique identity “for each of the different position or role relationships a person holds in society” (Essay Stets, 8). In Brave New World, the characters are not allowed to have multiple identities. Each person is characterized as an Alpha, Gamma, Delta, or an Epsilon. The Bokanovsky Process “is one of the major instruments of social stability…making ninety-six identical twins” who can work “ninety-six identical machines” (BNW, 19). By creating reproductions of essentially the same person, the entire society becomes depersonalized, and each group has only one identity in society depending on what he or she is born into.

The groups that one is a member of and the relationships that one holds with others are all considered being different identities. It is vital to note the interactions that different people have with one another because of the different roles that the identity plays. One of the most significant “interaction[s] is between persons who occupy positions in groups or organizations” in society (Essay Stets, 8). When communicating, different people take on different roles in these groups or organizations depending on whether or not such a role is relevant. Stets describes that “there are things that are not talked about because they are not relevant to that identity, and there are things that are more likely to be talked about given the identity that is currently being claimed” (Essay Stets, 8). This means that identity is very dependent on the setting one is in and that identities can be switched very simply based on the situation. In Brave New World, Bernard clearly has an identity of being an Alpha, but he certainly lacks the qualities of a typical Alpha as previously explained. One person with whom he sincerely relates to is Helmholtz Watson. The two men shared “the knowledge that they were individuals” (BNW, 71). The relationship between the two individuals is clearly a result of them both feeling out of place in the World State and feeling more like individuals than like the rest of their community. Their relationship relates to what Stets describes as the way in which people who occupy certain positions in society can communicate. Because they feel mutual about their roles in society, they are both able to discuss ideas that would be forbidden or just unimaginable for the majority of the society. There is also what Stets considers to be agency; this refers to an individual’s ability “to actively acquire multiple role identities over time” (Essay Stets, 9). It is also stated by Stets that when an individual is happy and confident, he or she will be more willing to take on additional identities. This has been proven to be associated with a “greater psychological well-being” (Essay Stets, 9).

The final and essential aspect of the identity is its relation to social structure. Stets argues that “persons who act in the context of social structure name one another in the sense of recognizing one another as occupants of positions and come to have expectations for those others” (Essay Stets, 10). This demonstrates that a group of people with a common identity has certain expectations of its fellow group members. Because this social structure plays such an important role in relation to identity, it is recognized that “people are born into a particular society with social categories pre-existent to the individual” (Essay Stets, 31). This indicates that because people are born into certain groups and social statuses, a person’s identity is already determined based on the group that one is in. Stets also points out that that “according to social identity theory, when individuals take on a group-based identity, there is uniformity of perception and action among group members” (Essay Stets, 31). This indicates the when sharing a common identity because of some similar group membership, individuals will act in unison.

= **Draft 4** =

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, the concepts of self and identity are closely related to the development and nature of each character, but specifically to Bernard Marx. Bernard’s constant feeling of individuality and his physical differences contribute to his ultimate concept of self and identity, which deviates from that of his peers.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The concept of identity has two major perspectives associated with it: a psychological perspective and a sociological perspective. This paper focuses primarily on the sociological perspective, analyzing the social implications and societal factors that shape a person’s identity. The concept of identity refers to “the self and its parts” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 1). One of the primary concepts associated with this sociological approach to identity is the understanding “that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 1). This means that society impacts a person’s concept of self and a person’s concept of self impacts society. The most significant approach to the study of identity is the “situational approach to self and society” which “sees society as always in the process of being created through the interpretations and definitions of actors in situations” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 1). Individuals act based on their surroundings and what their surroundings require; in turn, the individual is able to accomplish and fulfill its objectives (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity”1).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In general, the idea of self is the guiding principle to the understanding of identity. The idea of self “originates in the mind of persons” (“Identity Theory” 9). Stets claims that the mind is developed from its interactions in and within society; therefore, this social interaction helps to develop the structure of society. One important factor of the self is the ability to recognize itself as something concrete and objective. Burke notes that the “self has the ability to take itself as an object, to regard and evaluate itself, to take account of itself and plan accordingly, and to manipulate itself as an object…” (“Identity Theory” 9). As a result of this notion, the self is able to notice and take on different perspectives from other members of society. In their paper on the self and identity, the authors state, “our responses come to be like others’ responses, and the meaning of the self becomes a shared meaning” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 4). This indicates that the self of an individual and the self of another member of society are influenced by one another and become one concept of self.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The idea of self-concept is important in the development of a sense of self. This refers to “meaning we hold for ourselves when we look at ourselves” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 5). The self-concept is the impression one has about himself or herself based on reactions from other people and based on the wants and desires of the self (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 5). In Brave New World, Bernard’s sense of self is highly influenced by the idea of self-concept. Fanny comments on Bernard, stating that he “he spends most his time by himself” and that “he’s so ugly…and so small” (Huxley 51). Fanny continuously comments on how Bernard is not good enough for Lenina because of his physical appearance. This example of somebody else’s reaction toward Bernard ultimately helps his formulate the concept of his self. Because of Bernard’s physics deficiencies, “he felt humiliated. The mockery [makes] him feel an outsider; and feeling an outsider he behaved like one, which increased the prejudice against him” (Huxley 69). This is precisely what Stets discusses in his essay, and this ends up being the cause that Bernard has a poor self-concept and thinks littler of himself. Furthermore, peers of Bernard are always commenting on how “somebody made a mistake when he was still in the bottle—thought he was a Gamma and put alcohol in his blood-surrogate” (Huxley 51). In this case, people comment and make opinions about Bernard to explain his deficiencies relative to the rest of society. This exemplifies Stets description that “most of what we know about ourselves is derived from others” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 5). It indicates the belief that an individual will learn about him or herself and form a self-opinion based on the opinions and reactions of others. Because individuals are so concerned with how others see them, the formation of self-concept is “filtered through our perceptions and resemble how we think others see us” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 5). Bernard knows that he is different based on how he sees other people. He notices their physical appearances and compares those to his own, and he recognizes his individuality. He is described as having a “sense of apartness” that “became in its turn a cause of wide separation” (Huxley 71). Because Bernard is aware of his differences as compared to his peers, he formulates and perpetuates the idea that he is unlike them and this itself causes its own source of separation. This idea is also exemplified during the solidarity service. Morgana Rothschild asks him what games he played that day, indicating the societal “norm” before a solidarity service. Bernard “blushingly had to admit” that he had not been playing a game (Huxley 81). Because Bernard blushes when answering this question, it is clear that he recognizes he deviated from the societal norm, and this makes him uncomfortable. From the reaction he gets from Morgan, which promotes his own reaction, Bernard formulates ideas in his head based on the reactions of his peers.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The idea of self-evaluation is one of the most important concepts when examining the self because it is related to self-esteem. There are two types of self-esteem: “efficacy-based self-esteem (seeing oneself as competent and capable) and worth-based self-esteem (feeling that one is accepted and valued)” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 6). Self-esteem is generally associated with the way in which a person values his or herself. Having a high self-esteem is in concordance with “good,” and low self-esteem is related to “bad” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 6). A high self-esteem is indicative of prosperity and happiness, while a low self-esteem is indicative of deviance and abnormality (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 6). One of the main points that the authors make about it is that “the desire for self-esteem may be what motivates people to create and maintain situations or relationships that verify one’s identity” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 7). This concept is exemplified through Bernard’s interactions with John Savage. Bernard befriends John, but he ultimately regards the friendship as being so important to him because it elevates his status, making him happier and more able to live comfortably in the World State. When John refuses to leave his room to attend an event, Bernard is furious, stating “everybody’s there, waiting for you” (HUXLEY158). Bernard made this event just so that other officials could meet John which would elevate his status and, therefore, his happiness and self-esteem. This is a perfect example of how self-esteem motivates and influences the self—it elevates Bernard’s status and makes him more content in the World State. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Relative to the concept of self-esteem is the idea of self-efficacy. This refers to the “belief about one’s causative capabilities” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 7). This means that a person has the ability to control feelings, reactions, stress, and other societal forces. Stets and Burke point out that “identity verification not only enhances feelings of self-worth…but also feelings of control over one’s environment” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 7). The main pont of self-efficacy is control. It has also been determined that “people with high self-esteem should also tend to perceive themselves as competent and, in turn, exhibit more involvement in social movements to try to effect social change” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 7). Individuals who think fondly of themselves are more likely to be confident, happy, appreciative of society, and proactive in their lives; those who are not, prove to be more passive. In Brave New World, this example of self-esteem is visible when Bernard brings back John Savage to the World State. At the beginning of the novel, Bernard is constantly humiliated and belittled because he is different. He has a low self-esteem as Stets describes because he is deviant from society. He is different, and he engages in abnormal activities. He likes to be alone, he does not play sport activities, and he dislikes Soma. After bringing John back, however, he “now found himself, for the first time in his life, treated not merely normally, but as a person of outstanding importance” (HUXLEY144). This clearly indicates that Bernard is not only treated better once bringing back John, but that he is a celebrity. This exemplifies the happiness and prosperity that Stets describes comes with a high self-esteem. Bernard feels in control now, and “success went fizzily to [his] head” (HUXLEY145). As long as the world “recognized [Bernard] as important, the order of things was good” (HUXLEY145).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The self is a vital factor in the determination and composition of the identity. The relationship lies in the belief that the identity is comprised of various “selves” that one has in relation to the groups a person is a member of or the societal positions one possesses. Stets describes that a person has a unique identity “for each of the different position or role relationships [he or she] holds in society” (Essay Stets, 8). In Brave New World, the characters are conditioned not to have multiple identities. Each person is characterized as an Alpha, Gamma, Delta, or Epsilon. The Bokanovsky Process is used to create “social stability…making ninety-six identical twins” who can work “ninety-six identical machines” (HUXLEY19). By creating reproductions of essentially the same person, the entire society becomes depersonalized, and each group has only one identity in society depending on what he or she is born into.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The groups that one is a member of and the relationships that one holds with others are all considered to be different identities. It is vital to note the interactions that different people have with one another because of the different roles the identity plays. One of the most significant “interaction[s] is between persons who occupy positions in groups or organizations” in society (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 8). When communicating, different people take on different roles in these groups or organizations depending on whether or not such a role is relevant. Stets describes that “there are things that are not talked about because they are not relevant to that identity, and there are things that are more likely to be talked about given the identity that is currently being claimed” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 8). This means that identity is very dependent on the setting one is in and that identities can be switched very simply based on the situation. In Brave New World, Bernard clearly has an identity of being an Alpha, but he certainly lacks the qualities of a typical Alpha as previously explained. One person with whom he sincerely relates to is Helmholtz Watson. The two men shared “the knowledge that they were individuals” (HUXLEY71). The relationship between the two is clearly a result of them both feeling out of place in the World State and feeling more like individuals than like the rest of their community. Their relationship parallels what Stets describes as the way in which people who occupy certain positions in society communicate. Because they feel mutual about their roles, they are both able to discuss ideas and concepts that would be forbidden or just unimaginable for the majority of the population. There is also what Stets considers to be agency; this refers to an individual’s ability “to actively acquire multiple role identities over time” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 9). Stets claims that when an individual is happy and confident, he or she will be more willing to take on additional identities. This has been proven to be associated with a “greater psychological well-being” (“A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” 9).